Merchandiser

Job Title: Merchandiser

Salary: £35,000

Location: Rochdale

Our client is currently seeking an experienced Merchandiser to join the team due to continued growth. An excellent opportunity for someone wanting to progress and work across multiple lines, supporting the team in sourcing various goods from multiple suppliers.

Duties shall include but not be limited to the following:

Continuity Forecasting

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• Accurate forecasting of skus 6- 9 months forward, reviewing no less frequently than fortnightly within the designated product range based on trend/sales analysis
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• Ensure data held in forecasting system is up to date and accurate.
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• Target customer service levels to be met and recovery plans implemented where required
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• Maximise on sales opportunities through driving additional volume into stores at key event periods and clearing overstocks where possible working towards relevant target KPI.
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• Where applicable manage essential fabric holdings at the mills to ensure lead times are maintained and MOQs are managed effectively.
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• Full discontinued strategy done twice yearly for a full review of design/colour performance and give focus to possible drop lines ahead of the sign off for new season to ensure we are being proactive reducing losses where possible.
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• Thinking outside of the box, ‘what if’ scenarios, effects of under/ over -performance and hot to mitigate such effects.
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New Launch

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• Agreeing new launch estimates twice yearly with the Merchandise manager, and customer. Placing orders for the season accordingly
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• Review of estimates for new season 16 weeks prior to launch to ensure still agreed considering sales trends from that period/any new information known.
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• Attend weekly critical path meetings with the technical team to ensure sealing is on track, and shipment requested for initial orders can be achieved. Ensure the customer is kept updated at all times of any movements to the critical path through the NR/AR report.
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• Liaising with the logistics team to aid with the planning of intake/ distribution of newness.
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• Full review of our products 4 weeks following launch to ensure all lines are live and on sale correctly and review any competition which could potentially split sales.
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Supplier/Customer Management

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• Place orders with the mill in a timely manner, adhering to lead times given, to ensure that customer delivery requirements are met. Orders placed by either sea or air freight depending on delivery time scales.
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• Regular communication with the supply base including on site/ teams meetings where required to maintain expected levels of service.
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• Management of the supply base to ensure that all deliveries arrive at the specified time, being fully aware of any delays or stock shortages. Liaise with customer as and when required.
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• Complete monthly forward estimates for the supplier’s production and managing fabric, fabric planning is critical to service and lead times and must be managed with suppliers as a priority.
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• Carry out bi-weekly (minimum) calls with our Customers Merchandise team to discuss Service, and AOB. Offsite meetings may be required occasionally.
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• Keep up to date with all Customer reports, including stock availability reports, new launch at risk report, service predictor and ad hoc reports as required.
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Reporting/KPI’s

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• Complete regular category review KPI’s and performance and if support is required, arrange working session with Merch Manager for them to support where they can. Stock holding/ turn, Turnover, EOS losses, AF spend, Forecast Accuracy.
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• Management of category/departmental reports i.e fabric reports, allocation value reports, stock visibility reports, high/low demand to forecast, forecast accuracy report.
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